It was almost painful to feel so drawn to someone and not know what to do. The small ember that had been burning since the start of the evening had grown into a living fire. The tension was so intense it was almost tangible.

Words kept echoing in his mind, and he was doing everything he could to control himself and avoid a mistake. One misstep and it would be his undoing. But hadn’t everything already been said? What more proof did he need to take that step? Honestly, he didn’t want any misunde